Local Performance Talent, We Beseech You Join Us!
All runners-up are eligible to perform by freely roaming the fair and entertaining the public! Learn how to do this most ancient of Faire traditions alongside experienced lane actors.
Music: Solo or Team, Instrument or Vocal
12 Single Sets
Scottish drinking songs & Pirate sailing shanties are tops this year! Classical Renaissance instrumentals, songs from LotR GoT Skyrim etc, are always great. Interesting instruments like harps, dulcimers, and concertinas are prized - but if all you bring is your voice and a drum, we will honor your audition and hear you out!
We have Four 10-minute & Eight 30-minute stage openings for Local Community acts. Will you be one of the Twelve? If your set is amazing, this could be a paid position now!
Comedy, Acrobatics, Stunts, or All Three!
1 to 3 Actors
Is open-mic night your time to shine? Now could be, too. Tell us a relatable story with a few PG-13 twists & punchlines to join the show.
Are you the bravest member of Color Guard? Add a bit of juggling and convert that spin into fire, swords (18+) or rubber chickens and you've become a professional!
Do you do yoga with friends or epic pyramids at cheer? Add motley spandex and you've made a 3-person balancing act! Come up with your own outlandish ideas and let us know.
Time to Throwdown some Shakespeare
Drama Club
Two one-hour-long Community Stage opportunities are for YOU. Shakespeare or others, bring your Drama Class memories to life again.
Educators, here's lookin' at you - contact us to involve your students. Drama Teachers get first dibs on this! But, at least one of these two opportunities will go to an independent crew, so tell your friends now.
artist credit: Angus McBride
Lane Actors - a Sacred Renaissance Faire Tradition
Up to 10
The 1st Renaissance Faire came from the heart & mind of a high school teacher in California, 1964. Commedia dell'arte, Italian Renaissance era street performances, were recreated by the students performing house-to-house.
Be part of a community of new & experienced lane actors who have fun interacting with strangers with the freedom of improv & independent collaboration. Make up your own costumes, storylines, and mischievous antics with like-minded actors, then roam together hunting down smiles.
Handcraft Artisans of Every Kind & Calling Also Needed!
Do you dabble in crafts or fine art? If your county touches Lee County (even you, Henderson, IL!), tell us in your application to be eligible for $50 off the Merchant Fee (state ID w/ address req'd).
Cloaks, Hats Boots, Quilts Gloves, Spats, Etc.
Several
It might get cold out there. Even, God willing, with a sunny weekend, we all know "Winter Is Coming." A brisk-weather fair can see every cloak vendor completely sell out, so get sewing!
Try your hand at bending custom hats for the gentry to find out why he's called The Mad Hatter, or add custom flto resale gloves, boots, and spats.
Iowa is known for her quilt-makers. Lovely geometry and color splashes well across the shoulders on a fair day, as well as over beds, couches, and cuddlers at home.
Anything Your Hands & Heart Desire
~20
If your crafty passion can fit the Renaissance Era, you can go pro! There is no cost to submit the application. All you need is a hearty craft room & a magical handheld rectangle that conveys images across long distances... like a foretune-teller's crystal ball. Still glassy, less roundy.
Pop-up Tent Renaissance Cover-Ups
Unlimited
Are your sewing skills still growing? If you can measure, cut, and sew triangles and squares together like a little cloth architect, then we have a high-demand place for you, too!
Many merchants would love a motley tent roof with a scalloped rim or dangling points. Others need the metal frame covered by a simple ceiling with ties. Simple sleeves or elegant curtaining for the tent legs are a welcome addition.
Contact us to Become a Sponsor and Feature your Business Online and On-site.
Burlington Area Homeless Shelter gets 10% of Ticket Sales
